Important Differences between the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills

There are several important differences between the 2014 Farm Bill and Sections10201 and 10202 of the 2008 Farm Bill. Those who submit Farm Bill project suggestions should be aware of the following changes:

1. Sections 10201 and 10202 of the 2008 Farm Bill have been combined into Section 10007 of the 2014 Farm Bill and given additional funding.

The language of the new Farm Bill consolidates Sections 10201 (Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Programs) and 10202 (National Clean Plant Network) of the 2008 Farm Bill under Section 10007. It also gives additional funding to these programs.

For fiscal year (FY) 2014 through FY 2017, Section 10007 will provide $62.5 million annually for Plant Pest and Disease Management and Disaster Prevention Programs, including the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN), with a minimum of $5 million allocated to the NCPN. For FY 2018 and thereafter, the funding will increase to $75 million annually.

Cooperators who will submit project suggestions to prevent the introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases that threaten U.S. agriculture and the environment or seek funding to implement NCPN activities in FY 2015 and beyond will do so under Section 10007.

2. Language within Section 10007 of the 2014 Farm Bill caps “indirect costs” charged against cooperative agreements to 15 percent of the value of the agreement.

The 2014 Farm Bill restricts, within Section 10007 only, indirect costs to a maximum of 15 percent of the total Federal funds provided under the cooperative agreement, or, at a negotiated or other indirect cost rate cap established by law, whichever is less. Under the 2014 Federal budget, nonprofit organizations have a 10 percent cap on indirect costs. That cap continues to apply to indirect costs related to Farm Bill-funded projects because it is lower than 15 percent.

Indirect costs are generally not specific to a project but are needed by the cooperator for the general operation of the organization and the conduct of its activities. Examples of such costs include the operation and maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment; depreciation; and administrative salaries.

The Farm Bill team stands ready to assist you as we implement these changes. If you have any questions about these changes or about any other issue related to the 2014 Farm Bill, please e-mail the APHIS Farm Bill team at farmbillsection10007@aphis.usda.gov.